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    examBoard: Cambridge
    examType: IGCSE
    lessonTitle: Tourism Industry Growth
Geography - Human Geography - Changing Economies - Tourism Industry Growth - BrainyLemons
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Changing Economies » Tourism Industry Growth

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

  • The factors that have led to the growth of the tourism industry
  • Different types of tourism and tourist destinations
  • The positive and negative impacts of tourism on economies, environments and societies
  • Case studies of tourism development in different locations
  • Sustainable tourism approaches and management strategies

Introduction to Tourism Industry Growth

Tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing industries and a major source of income for many countries. Since the 1950s, international tourist arrivals have grown from 25 million to over 1.4 billion in 2019 (pre-COVID). This massive growth has transformed economies, environments and societies around the world.

Key Definitions:

  • Tourism: The activities of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business, or other purposes.
  • Tourist: A person who travels to and stays in places outside their usual environment for more than 24 hours but less than one year.
  • Tourism industry: All the businesses and organisations involved in providing services for tourists.
  • Mass tourism: Large numbers of tourists visiting popular holiday destinations.

🌴 Factors Driving Tourism Growth

Several key factors have contributed to the massive growth in global tourism:

  • Rising incomes: More disposable income means more money for travel
  • More leisure time: Paid holidays and shorter working weeks
  • Better transport: Faster, cheaper air travel and improved infrastructure
  • Technology: Online booking systems and travel information
  • Changing attitudes: Travel seen as a necessity rather than a luxury

🛫 The Tourism Explosion

The growth of tourism has been remarkable:

  • 1950: 25 million international tourist arrivals
  • 1980: 278 million
  • 2000: 674 million
  • 2019: 1.4 billion
  • Tourism now accounts for about 10% of global GDP
  • 1 in 10 jobs worldwide is in tourism

Types of Tourism

The tourism industry has diversified beyond traditional 'sun, sea and sand' holidays to cater to different interests and needs.

🏖 Mass Tourism

Large numbers of people visiting popular destinations like beach resorts. Often package holidays with standardised services.

Examples: Costa del Sol (Spain), Cancun (Mexico)

🏕 Eco-Tourism

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people.

Examples: Costa Rica rainforests, Galapagos Islands

🎡 Cultural Tourism

Travel focused on experiencing the culture, history, art and architecture of a destination.

Examples: Rome (Italy), Kyoto (Japan)

The Butler Model: Tourism Area Life Cycle

The Butler Model helps us understand how tourist destinations develop and change over time. It suggests that destinations go through several stages:

  1. Exploration: Small numbers of adventurous tourists discover a place
  2. Involvement: Local people begin providing facilities for tourists
  3. Development: Large companies invest in hotels and attractions
  4. Consolidation: Tourism becomes a major part of the local economy
  5. Stagnation: Tourist numbers peak and the destination may become less fashionable
  6. Decline or Rejuvenation: The destination either declines or reinvents itself

Different destinations are at different stages of this cycle. For example, Blackpool in the UK has experienced decline, while Dubai has seen rapid development.

Impacts of Tourism

Tourism brings both benefits and challenges to destinations. These impacts can be categorised as economic, environmental and social.

💰 Economic Impacts

Positive:

  • Job creation
  • Income for local businesses
  • Foreign exchange earnings
  • Infrastructure development

Negative:

  • Seasonal employment
  • Leakage of profits to foreign companies
  • Over-dependence on tourism
🌲 Environmental Impacts

Positive:

  • Protection of natural areas
  • Conservation efforts
  • Environmental awareness

Negative:

  • Pollution (air, water, noise)
  • Habitat destruction
  • Resource depletion (water, energy)
  • Waste generation
👥 Social Impacts

Positive:

  • Cultural exchange
  • Preservation of traditions
  • Improved facilities for locals

Negative:

  • Overcrowding
  • Loss of cultural identity
  • Increased crime
  • Conflict with locals

Case Study Focus: Tourism in Jamaica

Jamaica is a Caribbean island that has developed a thriving tourism industry based on its beaches, climate and culture.

Key facts:

  • Tourism contributes over 30% of Jamaica's GDP
  • Employs about 25% of the workforce
  • Receives over 4 million visitors annually

Benefits:

  • Major source of foreign exchange
  • Job creation in hotels, restaurants and tour operations
  • Infrastructure development (roads, airports)

Challenges:

  • Environmental damage to coral reefs and beaches
  • High leakage rate (estimated 70% of tourism revenue leaves the country)
  • All-inclusive resorts limit benefits to local businesses
  • Seasonal employment patterns

Management strategies:

  • Development of eco-tourism in the Blue Mountains
  • Community-based tourism initiatives
  • Marine protected areas to preserve coral reefs

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism aims to minimise negative impacts while maximising the benefits for local communities and environments. It's about finding a balance that allows tourism to continue in the long term without damaging destinations.

🌍 Principles of Sustainable Tourism

  • Minimise environmental impact
  • Respect local cultures and heritage
  • Ensure benefits reach local communities
  • Involve local people in decision-making
  • Provide quality experiences for tourists
  • Educate tourists about sustainability

🛠 Management Strategies

  • Visitor management: Limiting numbers, timed tickets
  • Zoning: Concentrating tourism in specific areas
  • Education: Informing tourists about responsible behaviour
  • Certification: Eco-labels for sustainable businesses
  • Community involvement: Local ownership of tourism ventures
  • Legislation: Laws to protect environments and heritage

Case Study Focus: Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan

Bhutan has taken a unique approach to tourism development with its "High Value, Low Impact" policy.

Key features:

  • Tourists must pay a daily fee of $200-$250
  • Must travel with licensed Bhutanese tour operators
  • Limited number of tourist visas issued
  • Portion of tourism revenue funds free healthcare and education
  • Strict building codes preserve traditional architecture
  • Environmental protection is a priority (over 70% of land is forested)

Results:

  • Tourism contributes significantly to the economy
  • Cultural identity remains strong
  • Environmental impacts are minimised
  • Benefits are distributed throughout society

This approach shows how a country can develop tourism while protecting its environment and culture.

Future Trends in Tourism

The tourism industry continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences, technology and global challenges.

  • Technology: Virtual reality experiences, AI-powered personalisation
  • Climate change awareness: Rise in low-carbon tourism options
  • Authentic experiences: Shift from standardised to personalised travel
  • Wellness tourism: Focus on health and wellbeing
  • Overtourism management: Strategies to deal with too many tourists

As the tourism industry continues to grow, the challenge will be to manage this growth sustainably, ensuring that the benefits are shared widely while minimising negative impacts.

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